Authors: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

96 Badass Simone De Beauvoir Quotes That Will Inspire You

Famous As: French Existentialist Philosopher, Writer, Social Theorist, and Feminist Activist
Born On: January 9, 1908
Died On: April 14, 1986
Born In: Paris, France
Died At Age: 78

The 'Mother of Modern Feminism', Simone de Beauvoir was an extraordinary intellectual, French writer, political activists and social theorist. Her life exemplified the emergence of female-centric revolutionary ideas and struggle for social structure free from patriarchal ideas. She laid down a political roadmap for reinvention and polarization of the society. Being extremely intelligent for her age, Simone completed her graduation at the delicate age of 17 and earned her advanced degree when she was just 19. She was the youngest person to achieve an aggregation in philosophy who scored second highest marks in this test. Simone, the 'lady of letters' wrote on popularized social taboos like politics, morality, gender theory, sexuality, philosophy, literary criticism and existentialism. Along with her partner Jean-Paul Sarte, this legendary intellectual wrote several novels, memoirs, magazines and columns. Before her death, she had produced countless essays and 20 ground-breaking books. Her best works include 'The Second Sex', 'She Came to Say' and 'The Ethics of Ambiguity'. Simone's autography 'The Mandarins' that beautifully captures her life struggles brought her France's highest literary Honor. Throughout her life, de Beauvoir lived a controversial but star-like life, meeting foreign dignitaries and getting followed by the paparazzi. A headstrong person with clear-cut ideologies, Simone is an inspiration for modern-day women. Her thoughts and quotes reflect her intellectualism. We have gathered together Simone de Beauvoir's most thought-provoking quotes. Presenting a collection of Simone de Beauvoir's quotes excerpted from her work and life.

She was ready to deny the existence of space and time rather than admit that love might not be eternal.

She was ready to deny the existence of space and time rather than admit that love might not be eternal.

Simone de Beauvoir
I am incapable of conceiving infinity, and yet I do not accept finity. I want this adventure that is the context of my life to go on without end.

I am incapable of conceiving infinity, and yet I do not accept finity. I want this adventure that is the context of my life to go on without end.

Simone de Beauvoir
I am too intelligent, too demanding, and too resourceful for anyone to be able to take charge of me entirely. No one knows me or loves me completely. I have only myself

I am too intelligent, too demanding, and too resourceful for anyone to be able to take charge of me entirely. No one knows me or loves me completely. I have only myself

Simone de Beauvoir
One's life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others.

One's life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others.

Simone de Beauvoir
One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.

One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.

Simone de Beauvoir
When I was a child, when I was an adolescent, books saved me from despair: that convinced me that culture was the highest of values[...].

When I was a child, when I was an adolescent, books saved me from despair: that convinced me that culture was the highest of values[...].

Simone de Beauvoir
In itself, homosexuality is as limiting as heterosexuality: the ideal should be to be capable of loving a woman or a man; either, a human being, without feeling fear, restraint, or obligation.

In itself, homosexuality is as limiting as heterosexuality: the ideal should be to be capable of loving a woman or a man; either, a human being, without feeling fear, restraint, or obligation.

Simone de Beauvoir
That's what I consider true generosity: You give your all, and yet you always feel as if it costs you nothing.

That's what I consider true generosity: You give your all, and yet you always feel as if it costs you nothing.

Simone de Beauvoir
A man attaches himself to woman -- not to enjoy her, but to enjoy himself.

A man attaches himself to woman -- not to enjoy her, but to enjoy himself.

Simone de Beauvoir
One's life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, and compassion

One's life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, and compassion

Simone de Beauvoir
To lose confidence in one’s body is to lose confidence in oneself.

To lose confidence in one’s body is to lose confidence in oneself.

Simone de Beauvoir
What an odd thing a diary is: the things you omit are more important than those you put in.

What an odd thing a diary is: the things you omit are more important than those you put in.

Simone de Beauvoir
Man is defined as a human being and a woman as a female — whenever she behaves as a human being she is said to imitate the male.

Man is defined as a human being and a woman as a female — whenever she behaves as a human being she is said to imitate the male.

Simone de Beauvoir
I tore myself away from the safe comfort of certainties through my love for truth - and truth rewarded me.

I tore myself away from the safe comfort of certainties through my love for truth - and truth rewarded me.

Simone de Beauvoir
If you live long enough, you'll see that every victory turns into a defeat.

If you live long enough, you'll see that every victory turns into a defeat.

Simone de Beauvoir
Few tasks are more like the torture of Sisyphus than housework, with its endless repetition: the clean becomes soiled, the soiled is made clean, over and over, day after day.

Few tasks are more like the torture of Sisyphus than housework, with its endless repetition: the clean becomes soiled, the soiled is made clean, over and over, day after day.

Simone de Beauvoir
All oppression creates a state of war. And this is no exception.

All oppression creates a state of war. And this is no exception.

Simone de Beauvoir
The body is not a thing, it is a situation: it is our grasp on the world and our sketch of our project

The body is not a thing, it is a situation: it is our grasp on the world and our sketch of our project

Simone de Beauvoir
No one is more arrogant toward women, more aggressive or scornful, than the man who is anxious about his virility.

No one is more arrogant toward women, more aggressive or scornful, than the man who is anxious about his virility.

Simone de Beauvoir
I was made for another planet altogether. I mistook the way.

I was made for another planet altogether. I mistook the way.

Simone de Beauvoir
I wish that every human life might be pure transparent freedom.

I wish that every human life might be pure transparent freedom.

Simone de Beauvoir
Two separate beings, in different circumstances, face to face in freedom and seeking justification of their existence through one another, will always live an adventure full of risk and promise.

Two separate beings, in different circumstances, face to face in freedom and seeking justification of their existence through one another, will always live an adventure full of risk and promise." (p. 248)

Simone de Beauvoir
Representation of the world, like the world itself, is the work of men; they describe it from their own point of view, which they confuse with absolute truth.

Representation of the world, like the world itself, is the work of men; they describe it from their own point of view, which they confuse with absolute truth.

Simone de Beauvoir
She would never change, but one day at the touch of a fingertip she would fall to dust.

She would never change, but one day at the touch of a fingertip she would fall to dust.

Simone de Beauvoir
Capabilities are clearly manifested only when they have been realized.

Capabilities are clearly manifested only when they have been realized.

Simone de Beauvoir
It is in the knowledge of the genuine conditions of our lives that we must draw our strength to live and our reasons for living.

It is in the knowledge of the genuine conditions of our lives that we must draw our strength to live and our reasons for living.

Simone de Beauvoir
Change your life today. Don't gamble on the future, act now, without delay.

Change your life today. Don't gamble on the future, act now, without delay.

Simone de Beauvoir
Sex pleasure in women is a kind of magic spell; it demands complete abandon; if words or movements oppose the magic of caresses, the spell is broken.

Sex pleasure in women is a kind of magic spell; it demands complete abandon; if words or movements oppose the magic of caresses, the spell is broken.

Simone de Beauvoir
Fathers never have exactly the daughters they want because they invent a notion a them that the daughters have to conform to.

Fathers never have exactly the daughters they want because they invent a notion a them that the daughters have to conform to.

Simone de Beauvoir
If the feminine issue is so absurd, is because the male's arrogance made it

If the feminine issue is so absurd, is because the male's arrogance made it "a discussion

Simone de Beauvoir
What would Prince Charming have for occupation if he had not to awaken the Sleeping beauty?

What would Prince Charming have for occupation if he had not to awaken the Sleeping beauty?

Simone de Beauvoir
...her wings are cut and then she is blamed for not knowing how to fly.

...her wings are cut and then she is blamed for not knowing how to fly.

Simone de Beauvoir
Because we are separated everything separates us, even our efforts to join each other.

Because we are separated everything separates us, even our efforts to join each other.

Simone de Beauvoir
To catch a husband is an art; to hold him is a job.

To catch a husband is an art; to hold him is a job.

Simone de Beauvoir
There is something in the New York air that makes sleep useless.

There is something in the New York air that makes sleep useless.

Simone de Beauvoir
Be loved, be admired, be necessary; be somebody.

Be loved, be admired, be necessary; be somebody.

Simone de Beauvoir
I could see no reason for being sad. It´s just that it makes me unhappy not to feel happy.

I could see no reason for being sad. It´s just that it makes me unhappy not to feel happy.

Simone de Beauvoir
Women's mutual understanding comes from the fact that they identify themselves with each other; but for the same reason each is against the others.

Women's mutual understanding comes from the fact that they identify themselves with each other; but for the same reason each is against the others.

Simone de Beauvoir
Why one man rather than another? It was odd. You find yourself involved with a fellow for life just because he was the one that you met when you were nineteen.

Why one man rather than another? It was odd. You find yourself involved with a fellow for life just because he was the one that you met when you were nineteen.

Simone de Beauvoir
Some things I loved have vanished. A great many others have been given to me

Some things I loved have vanished. A great many others have been given to me

Simone de Beauvoir
The point is not for women simply to take power out of men’s hands, since that wouldn’t change anything about the world. It’s a question precisely of destroying that notion of power.

The point is not for women simply to take power out of men’s hands, since that wouldn’t change anything about the world. It’s a question precisely of destroying that notion of power.

Simone de Beauvoir
Even if one is neither vain nor self-obsessed, it is so extraordinary to be oneself - exactly oneself and no one else - and so unique, that it seems natural that one should also be unique for someone else.

Even if one is neither vain nor self-obsessed, it is so extraordinary to be oneself - exactly oneself and no one else - and so unique, that it seems natural that one should also be unique for someone else.

Simone de Beauvoir
Today, however, we are having a hard time living because we are so bent on outwitting death.

Today, however, we are having a hard time living because we are so bent on outwitting death.

Simone de Beauvoir
The word love has by no means the same sense for both sexes, and this is one cause of the serious misunderstandings that divide them.

The word love has by no means the same sense for both sexes, and this is one cause of the serious misunderstandings that divide them.

Simone de Beauvoir
‎A day in which I don't write leaves a taste of ashes.

‎A day in which I don't write leaves a taste of ashes.

Simone de Beauvoir
Self-consciousness is not knowledge but a story one tells about oneself.

Self-consciousness is not knowledge but a story one tells about oneself.

Simone de Beauvoir
To abstain from politics is in itself a political attitude.

To abstain from politics is in itself a political attitude.

Simone de Beauvoir
People seem to think that if you keep your head empty you automatically fill your balls.

People seem to think that if you keep your head empty you automatically fill your balls.

Simone de Beauvoir
One is not born a genius, one becomes a genius; and the feminine situation has up to the present rendered this becoming practically impossible.

One is not born a genius, one becomes a genius; and the feminine situation has up to the present rendered this becoming practically impossible.

Simone de Beauvoir
Tragedies are all right for a while: you are concerned, you are curious, you feel good. And then it gets repetitive, it doesn't advance, it grows dreadfully boring: it is so very boring, even for me.

Tragedies are all right for a while: you are concerned, you are curious, you feel good. And then it gets repetitive, it doesn't advance, it grows dreadfully boring: it is so very boring, even for me.

Simone de Beauvoir
Oppression tries to defend itself by its utility.

Oppression tries to defend itself by its utility.

Simone de Beauvoir
And without a doubt it is more comfortable to endure blind bondage than to work for one's liberation; the dead, too, are better suited to the earth than the living.

And without a doubt it is more comfortable to endure blind bondage than to work for one's liberation; the dead, too, are better suited to the earth than the living.

Simone de Beauvoir
…but all day long I would be training myself to think, to understand, to criticize, to know myself; I was seeking for the absolute truth: this preoccupation did not exactly encourage polite conversation.

…but all day long I would be training myself to think, to understand, to criticize, to know myself; I was seeking for the absolute truth: this preoccupation did not exactly encourage polite conversation.

Simone de Beauvoir
To be oneself, simply oneself, is so amazing and utterly unique an experience that it's hard to convince oneself so singular a thing happens to everybody.

To be oneself, simply oneself, is so amazing and utterly unique an experience that it's hard to convince oneself so singular a thing happens to everybody.

Simone de Beauvoir
...counselling man to treat her as a slave while persuading her that she is a queen.

...counselling man to treat her as a slave while persuading her that she is a queen.

Simone de Beauvoir
Youth and what the Italians so prettily call stamina. The vigor, the fire, that enables you to love and create. When you've lost that, you've lost everything.

Youth and what the Italians so prettily call stamina. The vigor, the fire, that enables you to love and create. When you've lost that, you've lost everything.

Simone de Beauvoir
What is an adult? A child blown up by age.

What is an adult? A child blown up by age.

Simone de Beauvoir
You have never had any confidence in him. And if he has no confidence in himself it is because he sees himself through your eyes.

You have never had any confidence in him. And if he has no confidence in himself it is because he sees himself through your eyes.

Simone de Beauvoir
All success cloaks a surrender

All success cloaks a surrender

Simone de Beauvoir
But women do not say 'We', except at some congress of feminists or similar formal demonstration; men say 'women', and women use the same word in referring to themselves.

But women do not say 'We', except at some congress of feminists or similar formal demonstration; men say 'women', and women use the same word in referring to themselves.

Simone de Beauvoir
I realized that even if we went on talking till Judgment Day, I would still find the time all too short.

I realized that even if we went on talking till Judgment Day, I would still find the time all too short.

Simone de Beauvoir
The body is the instrument of our hold on the world.

The body is the instrument of our hold on the world.

Simone de Beauvoir
He formed his sentences hesitantly and then threw them at me with such force that I felt as if I were receiving a present each time

He formed his sentences hesitantly and then threw them at me with such force that I felt as if I were receiving a present each time

Simone de Beauvoir
Life is occupied in both perpetuating itself and in surpassing itself; if all it does is maintain itself, then living is only not dying.

Life is occupied in both perpetuating itself and in surpassing itself; if all it does is maintain itself, then living is only not dying.

Simone de Beauvoir
There is only one solution if old age is not to be an absurd parody of our former life, and that is to go on pursuing ends that give our existence a meaning.

There is only one solution if old age is not to be an absurd parody of our former life, and that is to go on pursuing ends that give our existence a meaning.

Simone de Beauvoir
It is not in giving life but in risking life that man is raised above the animal; that is why superiority has been accorded in humanity no to the sex that brings forth but to that which kills.

It is not in giving life but in risking life that man is raised above the animal; that is why superiority has been accorded in humanity no to the sex that brings forth but to that which kills.

Simone de Beauvoir
Weakness' is weakness only in light of the aims man sets for himself, the instruments at his disposal and the laws he imposes.

Weakness' is weakness only in light of the aims man sets for himself, the instruments at his disposal and the laws he imposes.

Simone de Beauvoir
She was not to look beyond herself for the meaning of her life.

She was not to look beyond herself for the meaning of her life.

Simone de Beauvoir
I was very fond of Lagneau’s phrase: “I have no comfort but in my absolute despair.

I was very fond of Lagneau’s phrase: “I have no comfort but in my absolute despair.

Simone de Beauvoir
I think that where you go wrong is that you imagine that your reasons for living ought to fall on you, ready-made from heaven, whereas we have to find them for ourselves.

I think that where you go wrong is that you imagine that your reasons for living ought to fall on you, ready-made from heaven, whereas we have to find them for ourselves.

Simone de Beauvoir
It is so tiring to hate someone you love.

It is so tiring to hate someone you love.

Simone de Beauvoir
The way I approached a question, my habit of mind, the way I looked at things, what I took for granted - all this was myself and it did not seem to me that I could alter it.

The way I approached a question, my habit of mind, the way I looked at things, what I took for granted - all this was myself and it did not seem to me that I could alter it.

Simone de Beauvoir
To will oneself moral and to will oneself free are one and the same decision.

To will oneself moral and to will oneself free are one and the same decision.

Simone de Beauvoir
The whole world was nothing but an exile with no hope of a return.

The whole world was nothing but an exile with no hope of a return.

Simone de Beauvoir
A couple who go on living together merely because that was how they began, without any other reason: was that what we were turning into?

A couple who go on living together merely because that was how they began, without any other reason: was that what we were turning into?

Simone de Beauvoir
The misfortune is that although everyone must come to [death], each experiences the adventure in solitude. We never left Maman during those last days... and yet we were profoundly separated from her.

The misfortune is that although everyone must come to [death], each experiences the adventure in solitude. We never left Maman during those last days... and yet we were profoundly separated from her.

Simone de Beauvoir
That the child is the supreme aim of woman is a statement having precisely the value of an advertising slogan.

That the child is the supreme aim of woman is a statement having precisely the value of an advertising slogan.

Simone de Beauvoir
A man never begins by presenting himself as an individual of a certain sex; it goes without saying that he is a man.

A man never begins by presenting himself as an individual of a certain sex; it goes without saying that he is a man.

Simone de Beauvoir
The truth is, however, that when two individuals detest each other, while being unable to get along without each other, it is not of all human relations the truest and most moving, but rather the most pitiable.

The truth is, however, that when two individuals detest each other, while being unable to get along without each other, it is not of all human relations the truest and most moving, but rather the most pitiable.

Simone de Beauvoir
There is no justification for present existence other than its expansion into an indefinitely open future.

There is no justification for present existence other than its expansion into an indefinitely open future.

Simone de Beauvoir
Every war, every revolution, demands the sacrifice of a generation, of a collectivity, by those who undertake it.

Every war, every revolution, demands the sacrifice of a generation, of a collectivity, by those who undertake it.

Simone de Beauvoir
He reflected. 'I know a lot of different kids of people; what I want is to show each of them how the others really are. You hear so many lies!

He reflected. 'I know a lot of different kids of people; what I want is to show each of them how the others really are. You hear so many lies!

Simone de Beauvoir
Ready-made phrases and the ritual of etiquette were unknown to him; his thoughtfulness was pure improvisation, and it resembled the little inventions affection inspires.

Ready-made phrases and the ritual of etiquette were unknown to him; his thoughtfulness was pure improvisation, and it resembled the little inventions affection inspires.

Simone de Beauvoir
Legislators, priests, philosophers, writers, ans scientists have striven to show that the subordinate position of woman is willed in heaven and advantageous on earth.

Legislators, priests, philosophers, writers, ans scientists have striven to show that the subordinate position of woman is willed in heaven and advantageous on earth.

Simone de Beauvoir
The characteristic feature of all ethics is to consider human life as a game that can be won or lost and to teach man the means of winning.

The characteristic feature of all ethics is to consider human life as a game that can be won or lost and to teach man the means of winning.

Simone de Beauvoir
Self-knowledge is no guarantee of happiness, but it is on the side of happiness and can supply the courage to fight for it.

Self-knowledge is no guarantee of happiness, but it is on the side of happiness and can supply the courage to fight for it.

Simone de Beauvoir
I went to get a detective story. You have to kill time. But time will kill me too - and there´s the true, preestablished balance.

I went to get a detective story. You have to kill time. But time will kill me too - and there´s the true, preestablished balance.

Simone de Beauvoir
Man must not attempt to dispel the ambiguity of his being but, on the contrary, accept the task of realizing it.

Man must not attempt to dispel the ambiguity of his being but, on the contrary, accept the task of realizing it.

Simone de Beauvoir
To paint, to write, to engage in politics—these are not merely ‘sublimations’; here we have aims that are willed for their own sakes. To deny it is to falsify all human history.

To paint, to write, to engage in politics—these are not merely ‘sublimations’; here we have aims that are willed for their own sakes. To deny it is to falsify all human history.

Simone de Beauvoir
I tried to love you less.I couldn't.

I tried to love you less.I couldn't.

Simone de Beauvoir
There was still a question in her eyes-- one that she did not like to put into words.

There was still a question in her eyes-- one that she did not like to put into words.

Simone de Beauvoir
Every individual concerned to justify his existence feels that his existence involves an undefined need to transcend himself, to engage in freely chosen projects. pg. xxxiii

Every individual concerned to justify his existence feels that his existence involves an undefined need to transcend himself, to engage in freely chosen projects. pg. xxxiii

Simone de Beauvoir
Mystery is never more than a mirage that vanishes as we draw near to look at it.

Mystery is never more than a mirage that vanishes as we draw near to look at it.

Simone de Beauvoir
Freedom is the source from which all significations and all values spring. It is the original condition of all justification of existence.

Freedom is the source from which all significations and all values spring. It is the original condition of all justification of existence.

Simone de Beauvoir